Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

This pocket-friendly combo lets you experience two of Istanbul's most captivating cultural treasures: the whirling dervishes' ceremony and the Hagia Sophia.

Whirling Dervish Show

As you enter the historic madrasah, you’ll take your seat before the ceremony begins. The performance opens with traditional Sufi music played live, setting the tone for the ritual. When the dervishes step into the space, their measured turns follow the formal structure of the Sema, each phase representing a step in the Mevlevi spiritual practice. Their flowing skirts rise as they rotate in controlled, deliberate motion, illustrating the discipline and symbolism behind this centuries-old tradition. Throughout the ceremony, you’ll witness how movement, music, and prayer come together to express the core principles of Sufism.

Hagia Sophia

Your combo ticket also grants you skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia. With your multilingual audio guide, embark on a self-guided exploration, unraveling the stories etched in the mosaics and the intricate calligraphy adorning the walls. Imagine the footsteps of Byzantine emperors echoing through the 6th-century Emperor's Gate. Don't miss the Mihrab, a prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca – a reminder of Hagia Sophia's past as both a church and a mosque. Keep an eye out for the towering columns, each brought from ancient cities such as Ephesos and Tarsus. Explore this time capsule at your own pace as you soak in its centuries-old history.